In an emergency, medical skills (or the lack of them!) can mean the difference between life and death. Whether you’re dealing with a minor injury or a life-threatening situation, knowing CPR and basic first aid is essential for every prepper.
In this guide, we’ll cover the fundamentals of CPR, wound care, and other first aid basics. Plus, we’ll recommend some of the best medical books from our Survival Library to help you deepen your knowledge. Let’s dive in!
Why CPR and First Aid Matter
🚑 Save Lives: Quick action can prevent a bad situation from becoming worse.
🦠 Reduce Complications: Proper wound care minimizes the risk of infection.
🧠 Stay Calm: Knowing what to do helps you stay focused in a crisis.
How to Perform CPR
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is a lifesaving technique used when someone’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Check for Responsiveness
👋 Tap the person and shout, “Are you okay?” If there’s no response, call for help and start CPR.
📞 If someone is nearby, point at them and say “Call 911!” for an ambulance.
Step 2: Begin Chest Compressions
✋ Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest, place the other hand on top, and interlock your fingers.
💪 Push hard and fast—about 2 inches deep at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
Step 3: Give Rescue Breaths
🌬️ Tilt the head back, lift the chin, and give two rescue breaths. Watch for the chest to rise.
(Note: Newer methods sometimes don’t include the rescue breaths – getting in-person training is highly recommended!)
Step 4: Continue Until Help Arrives
🔄 Repeat cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths until the person starts breathing or help arrives.
▶️ For a visual guide of the “Hands Only” method, check out this American Heart Association video:
Basic First Aid Skills
1. Treating Cuts and Scrapes
🧼 Clean the wound with soap and water.
🩸 Apply pressure to stop bleeding.
🩹 Cover with a sterile bandage or dressing.
2. Managing Burns
🔥 Cool the burn under running water for 10-15 minutes.
🧴 Apply aloe vera or burn cream.
🩹 Cover with a non-stick bandage.
3. Handling Sprains and Fractures
🦴 Immobilize the injured area with a splint or sling.
🧊 Apply ice to reduce swelling.
🚑 Seek medical attention for severe fractures.
4. Recognizing and Treating Shock
😵 Keep the person lying down with their feet elevated.
🧥 Keep them warm with a blanket.
🚨 Seek immediate medical help.
▶️ For a visual guide to these skills, check out our curated playlist:
Essential First Aid Supplies
Every prepper should have a well-stocked first aid kit. Here’s what to include for the most basic injury treatment:
- Bandages and gauze
- Antiseptic wipes
- Medical tape
- Scissors and tweezers
- Pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen)
- Burn cream
- CPR face shield
- Latex-free disposable gloves
Recommended Books from Our Survival Library
📖 The Survival Medicine Handbook by Joseph Alton and Amy Alton
This comprehensive guide covers everything from minor injuries to major emergencies, making it a must-have for any prepper. (Read our full review!)
📖 Where There Is No Doctor by David Werner
A practical resource for treating illnesses and injuries in resource-limited settings. (Read our full review!)
Final Thoughts
CPR and basic first aid are foundational skills for any prepper. By learning these techniques and stocking the right supplies, you’ll be ready to handle medical emergencies with confidence.
🔙 Return to Medical & First Aid –or– Prepping 101 for more beginner-friendly guides.
📚 Explore our Survival Library for in-depth resources on preparedness.
